For the neutrals, it was exciting. But for Kerala Blasters fans it was painful viewing the high drama in the Indian Super League match at the Mumbai Football Arena on Sunday. Ten-man Kerala Blasters suffered a 4-2 defeat after staging a remarkable comeback to draw parity since going 2-0 down.
Three penalties were awarded in the match, two of which were for the hosts. Lallianzuala Chhangte scored one in added time (90+1) to make it 4-2. Nathan Rodrigues (75') had put the hosts ahead a second time in the match shortly after Kwame Peprah was sent off after making it 2-2.
It was just four minutes between Rodrigues's finish, unmarked in the box, off a corner, and Peprah's dismissal. Blasters' Ghanaian striker was given a second yellow card for removing his shirt while celebrating his goal. It was harsh, but within the rules. Peprah had scored a sumptuous header, diving at full stretch to meet a deep cross from Adrian Luna as the Blasters bounced back from 2-0 to make it 2-2.
But everything changed in one moment of adrenaline rush. Peprah instinctively took off his shirt but soon realised he was on a yellow and put it back. But that one act of removing the shirt was a violation ((FIFA rule 3 regarding fouls and misconduct says that "players can celebrate when a goal is scored, but the celebration must not be excessive".. removing the shirt or covering the head with the shirt is a bookable offence)
It was heartbreaking for the brilliant Peprah, who had earned his second start this season after assisting Jimenez's penalty in a 1-3 home defeat to Bengaluru last week. He did the same again tonight, winning a penalty that was tucked away by Jimenez in the 57th minute.
It is fascinating to think that Nikolaos Karelis scored twice tonight to give Mumbai a 2-0 lead, only to be forgotten because of what transpired within 15 minutes of his second strike, which was a penalty. Incidentally, Peprah was involved in that event as well; it was his handball that had been penalised.
Mumbai led as early as the 9th minute when Lallianzuala Chhangte sent a low cross that Karelis graciously tapped in. Petr Kratky's Mumbai dominated the first half and should have gone 2-0 up had Brandon Fernandes somehow managed to get a touch as he slid in to another low cross from Chhangte.
Mumbai exploited the Blasters' system of three centre-backs with wingbacks positioned higher up. It was only after Stahre switched to a back four in the second half that the Blasters found their rhythm.
The Blasters faithful might wonder what would have happened had Noah Sadaoui played tonight. The Moroccan attacker, who has been the best player of the Blasters this season, with five-goal contributions in five matches, missed the last match against Bengaluru with an injury and missed again tonight, and it was a big miss.
